PREPARED BY PREPARED FOR
Dhasa Care Music and Arts Program ________________________
Introduction
The Dhasa Care Music and Arts Program is an inclusive enrichment program designed to serve all general education students through high-quality, engaging, and creative learning experiences. This program provides a structured environment where students can discover, develop, and enhance their artistic talents while building essential life skills.
Our vision is to bridge the gap between aspiration and opportunity—connecting each student to their creative potential. Through music and the arts, we aim to support students’ social- emotional development by reducing anxiety, building confidence, and encouraging self- expression.
The program offers meaningful access to opportunities that may otherwise be unavailable, exposing students to a variety of creative pathways and potential careers in the arts. Students will also benefit from guest speakers and industry professionals—including actors, musicians, producers, and engineers—who will share real-world experiences, technical knowledge, and motivational guidance to inspire students to pursue their goals.
About Us
Mission
The mission of the Dhasa Care Music and Arts Program is to provide a safe, supportive, and engaging environment where students can explore and develop their talents through music and the arts. We are committed to fostering creativity, reducing social anxiety, building confidence, and helping students discover new skills and abilities that support their overall growth and success.
Vision
Our vision is to deliver high-quality music and arts programming to students who may not otherwise have access to these opportunities. We strive to inspire creativity, nurture talent, and promote a positive social environment that strengthens communication skills, builds relationships, and enhances self-esteem through artistic expression.
Program Founders
Aaron and Hurube Sledge are the founders of the Dhasa Care Music and Arts Program. Their shared passion is centered on serving children, youth, and young adults—especially those with the greatest need—by creating meaningful and transformative enrichment experiences.
Together, they operate a successful Adult Residential Facility, where they incorporate music and the arts as therapeutic tools for individuals with developmental disabilities. Through this work, they have witnessed firsthand the positive impact of creative expression, including reduced anxiety, increased social interaction, improved confidence, and expanded awareness of career possibilities.
Feedback from participants and families has reinforced the program’s impact, with sentiments such as:
• “Focus on the music—the music will pay off.”
• “Very proud mama.”
Leadership Experience
Aaron Sledge
Aaron Sledge is an accomplished songwriter and producer with extensive industry experience and is a 10-time Grammy nominee. His professional work includes:
• 2021 – CW Christmas Special; Leela James – See Me Album • 2019 – Executive Producer, BJ the Chicago Kid – 1123
• 2018 – Co-Producer and Vocal Arranger, K. Michelle – All Monsters Are Human • 2017 – Songwriting and Vocal Arrangements, BJ the Chicago Kid – In My Mind He has collaborated with prominent artists including Usher, Christina Aguilera, DJ Afrojack, Offset, Tyrese, Joe, Tank, Avant, Mario, Mary Mary, Erica Campbell, Fred Hammond, Shirley Caesar, and others.
Aaron brings industry expertise in music production, songwriting, vocal arrangement, recording, and music business education. He also leverages professional relationships to bring guest speakers and mentors into the program to inspire and guide students.
Hurube Debela-Sledge
Hurube Debela-Sledge is a licensed administrator and Occupational Therapy Assistant with over 20 years of experience. Born and raised in Ethiopia, she relocated to the United States in 1991 and has dedicated her career to supporting individuals across diverse populations.
Her professional background includes work in:
• Acute Rehabilitation
• Skilled Nursing Facilities
• Outpatient Therapy
• Home Health
Hurube specializes in activities of daily living, social skills development, and increasing independence for individuals with developmental and physical challenges. Her passion is helping others achieve success in all aspects of life, and she brings a strong foundation in social- emotional learning and student support to the program.
Contact Information
Dhasa Care Music and Arts Program
Aaron & Hurube Sledge
773-718-0819
[email protected]
Scope of Work
Dhasa Care Music and Arts Program
The Dhasa Care Music and Arts Program provides standards-based, hands-on enrichment opportunities aligned with the California Expanded Learning Opportunities Program (ELO-P) and the California Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA) Standards.
Through participation, students will develop foundational and intermediate skills in music production, performance, and creative arts while strengthening social-emotional competencies, collaboration, and critical thinking.
Program Components
1. Digital Music Production (Ableton)
Students will learn to create, arrange, and complete original musical compositions, including beats and melodies, using digital audio workstations such as Ableton.
Standards Alignment:
California VAPA Music Standards – Creating, Anchor Standard 1: Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work.
2. Songwriting & Composition
Students will be introduced to the fundamentals of songwriting, including song structure, lyrical development, melody creation, and various writing styles. Students will apply these skills by creating original songs.
Standards Alignment:
California VAPA Music Standards – Creating, Anchor Standard 1
3. Vocal Recording & Production
Students will learn professional vocal recording techniques, including microphone use, vocal delivery, layering, and studio etiquette. Instruction includes recording and editing vocals for final production.
Standards Alignment:
California VAPA Music Standards – Performing, Anchor Standard 4: Select, analyze, and interpret artistic work for presentation.
4. Makeup Artistry (MUA) & Special Effects
Students will learn foundational and advanced makeup techniques, including:
• Theatrical and creative makeup
• Special effects and prosthetics
• Soft glam and full glam applications
• Basic skincare
• Anatomical and themed designs (e.g., holiday looks)
Standards Alignment:
California VAPA Visual Arts Standards – Creating and Responding
5. DJ Fundamentals
Students will learn foundational DJ skills, including equipment operation, beat matching, mixing, and transitions. Students will explore music selection and audience engagement.
Standards Alignment:
California VAPA Music Standards – Performing and Connecting
6. Podcasting & Media Production
Students will learn how to set up and operate podcast equipment, develop content, structure episodes, and record discussions. Students will explore communication skills and digital media distribution.
Standards Alignment:
California VAPA Media Arts Standards – Creating, Producing, and Connecting
7. Fashion Design & Creative Styling
Students will engage in creative design, customization, printing, embellishing, and styling.
Instruction includes basic design principles and hands-on application using various materials.
All supplies will be provided, including but not limited to mannequins, hoodies, shirts, hats, patches, socks, printing materials, ink, paint, and fabric.
Students will also be introduced to entrepreneurship and career pathways within the fashion industry.
Standards Alignment:
California VAPA Visual Arts Standards – Creating and Presenting
8. Jewelry Design
Students will design and create jewelry using a variety of materials, including beads and decorative elements. This component promotes creativity, fine motor skills, and personal expression.
Standards Alignment:
California VAPA Visual Arts Standards – Creating
9. Acting & Theater Arts
Students will learn foundational acting techniques, including script reading, character development, vocal projection, and stage presence. Students will also explore storytelling and basic scriptwriting.
Standards Alignment:
California VAPA Theatre Standards – Performing and Creating
10. Filming & Film Editing
Students will be introduced to filmmaking concepts, including camera operation, shot composition, angles, and storytelling through video. Students will also learn basic video editing using software such as Final Cut Pro, including transitions, layering, effects, and exporting completed projects.
Standards Alignment:
California VAPA Media Arts Standards – Producing, Presenting, and Connecting All program components are designed to:
• Provide active, hands-on learning experiences
• Promote student engagement and voice
• Support social-emotional learning (SEL)
• Encourage collaboration and teamwork
• Offer enrichment beyond the school day
• Ensure equitable access to arts education
Program Delivery & Site Responsibilities
The Dhasa Care Music and Arts Program operates as a mobile, site-based enrichment provider, delivering high-quality arts instruction directly at designated school campuses or approved program locations.
Dhasa Care Responsibilities
Dhasa Care Music and Arts will:
• Provide qualified instructors and program staff
• Deliver all instruction aligned with the approved Scope of Work and California VAPA Standards
• Supply all necessary equipment, materials, and instructional tools required for program implementation (e.g., music production equipment, art supplies, media tools) • Transport and set up program equipment at each designated site • Ensure all activities are conducted in a safe, structured, and supervised environment.
School Site Responsibilities
The participating school site or district will provide:
• A safe and appropriate indoor instructional space (classroom, multipurpose room, or equivalent)
• Access to electrical outlets to support equipment operation • Basic classroom furnishings, including tables and chairs • Access to a TV, monitor, or projector (as available) to support instruction Transportation
Dhasa Care Music and Arts does not provide student transportation. Student transportation to and from the program remains the responsibility of the school site and/or district guidelines.
Proposed Dhasa Care Music and Arts Program
DCMAP 12 weeks Program- Sequoia Middle, Truman Middle, Alder Middle Wayne Ruble Middle, Fontana Middle
Date
Weeks Frequency Site Hours
September -
December 2026
12 Weeks
1 Visits
Per Week
at each
site.
5 Sites per
Week
Sequoia Middle
Truman Middle
Alder Middle
Wayne Ruble Middle
Fontana Middle
2 hr. Each Visit, each
site.
5 sessions a week
Fee Summary
Description Quantity Time Fee
Fashion Design: Creative designing, customizing,
printing, embellishing, and styling. We will educate
students on career and business pathways.
All fashion supplies will be provided, including but not limited to hoodies, shirts, hats, patches, socks, prints, ink, paint, and fabric. Each session students will take home what they created.
35 Students
($75 per student per
session)
2hr block
at each site
$2,600 per
session
MUA-Make Up Artistry:
Students will learn Beginners Makeup, Skin Care and
soft/full glam makeup application. They will be
introduced to Skull/Anatomical and Holiday Makeup as
well as SFX, cosplay and illusions at the end of the.
Students will also be given information on career path
opportunities.
35 Students
($75 per student per
session)
2hr block
at each site
$2,600 per
session
Music Production, creating a musical composition
(Beat), sound selection, creating melodies, Song
Writing, Song Recording, and singing.
40 Students
(60 per student per
session
2hr block
at each site
$2,400 per
session
Fundamentals of Deejaying
Introduces students to real DJ equipment, beat-
matching, music theory, software tools, and stage
presentation. Students’ progress from novice to
performance-ready, while also building digital literacy, confidence, and teamwork. DJ is signature music
education program, designed to ignite curiosity, build
technical skills, and inspire creative leadership in
students through the world of DJing.
40 Students
(60 per student per
session
2hr block
at each site
$2,400 per
session
Total Cost Breakdown
Program Number of
sessions
Cost Total
Fashion Design 60 $2,600 $156.000
MUA 60 $2,600 $156.000
Music Production 60 $2,400 $144,000
Djing 60 $2,400 $144,000
TOTAL $600,000